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Screech Owl — Part 2
Adult--Either red or gray, independent of age or sex; every gradation between the extreme red and gray phases may be found. Extreme red phase: Upper parts brilliant rufous, streaked with black; under parts white or very light gray, streaked and cross-marked with black, particularly on the upper part of breast. Extreme gray phase: Upper parts cold gray, with black streaks; under parts almost white, with black streaks and cross-markings. These birds have pronounced ear tufts, sometimes called horns, and an irregularly defined black circle round the face; eyes various shades of light yellow; feet nearly covered with fine hair-like feathers. Length--9.40.
Breeding Range--Throughout the Eastern States from Georgia northward.
The eggs are generally to be found in the hollow of a tree, rarely in a barn or outhouse. There is practically no nest, but a few feathers, together with some small chips, rotten wood, rarely leaves and sticks, serve the purpose. 4 to 6 and sometimes 8 white eggs are laid. Size--1.45 x 1.22.
An old apple orchard is by far the most likely place for the Screech Owl's nest, and the most likely orchard is one situated near a farm where mice are plentiful. The hole selected for the nest may be within five or six feet of the ground or up high in the tree. Before examining the inside of a hole, much unnecessary trouble may be avoided by noticing whether there is a cobweb over the entrance; if there is, it shows that the hole is uninhabited by any bird.
The breeding season begins about the end of March or the first week in April. The young birds can be easily reared, but do not make good pets, as they show a most unamiable disposition, and do not become really tame. The fact that they practise cannibalism is also somewhat against keeping them as pets.